Hi,

I was just wondering if it was normal for Budgies to lose some of their tail feathers is it moulting? Will they grow back?

 

1 more thing do you need to clip budgies nails?

 

 

 

Thanks

:greenb:

Edited May 27, 200717 yr by Cinder

Yes Cinder that is quite normal, young birds go through their first moult at 3 to 4 months & then annually towards Autumn [fall…it’s not only leaves that fall… (Laughing out loud)]. It’s not very often that you have to worry about their nails, but if they become extremely long it may be necessary, but be careful as they have a vein in the nail that can be cut if cut too short.

im not sure about the moulting but i can answer the second question.

 

You do sometimes, but sometimes you dont. It depends on if your budgie has a cement perch (or any other type of rough perch). Sometimes even if you dont have a cement perch you dont have to cut your budgies nails.

 

It is diffrent for every budgie..

but make sure you have it done by a vet, because it's not as easy as it sounds.

Is clipping birds nails like clipping a cat or dogs nails?

 

:greenb:

i dont think so. Its probably more complicated with birds, especially if they are untame. I also dont think cats and dogs have veins in their nails do they??

Hi Cinder. When they start to moult, you will see little fluffy feathers everywhere! As their feathers are so important, so they can fly and evade predators, they have to be kept in top condition. This is why they preen so often. When they go through a moult they replace all the feathers on their bodies, but you don't notice as it doesn't happen all at once. You will notice a lot of pin feathers on the top of their heads though.

 

As for the toenails. I have never clipped my budgies nails. It would only be needed if they grew abnormally long.

 

 

Feathers.

Clipping nails is easy if you know how but tough if you don't if that makes sense

Here is an article from our FAQ on nail care Clipping My Budgies Nails from BBC FAQ Section

i dont think so. Its probably more complicated with birds, especially if they are untame. I also dont think cats and dogs have veins in their nails do they??

 

 

Yes cats and dogs do hae veins in there nails and if you cut that they start to bleed.

:greenb:

so it might be somewhat the same but still a bit harder because budgies are way smaller than cats and dogs and sometimes they are not tame. Dont worry too much about cutting their nails, you only have to cut them in extreme cases.

the hardest part is holding them, it usually takes 2 people

1 to hold and 1 to cut

and if you cut too short a budgie can bleed to death very quickly because they are so tiny. A dog or cat clipped nail too short will not kill them.

I strongly recommend two people to cut a budgies nails unless you are very experienced doing it. Both people will need a steady hand and a gentle touch, as the person holding the bird must be extremely careful how the bird is held so the chest is not compressed and at the same time the bird is kept absolutely still. The person weilding the clippers needs to be quick and have good eyesight as well, not only to prevent clipping the nail too short, but also to prevent clipping off a toe should the bird struggle as you are compressing those nail trimmers. You need to be able to cut quickly and also stop yourself from cutting quickly at the same time. Normally a budgie will keep the nails worn through everyday activities. If you do find they are very long and in need of trimming, only cut the "hook" off the nail. It won't be very much, and you will not get near the quick (the blood supply). My oldest bird is over 5, and I have only cut her nails twice. Blueberry is 3, and I don't think I've ever cut hers. If you are squeamish, have the veterinarian show you how to hold and where and when to trim the nails the first time.

 

A good rule of thumb is to look at your bird when s/he is standing on a flat surface. If the end of the toe is still touching the surface, the nails are fine. If the end of the toe is raised up because of the length of the nail, then snipping the tip (the 'hook') off the nail might be a good idea.

well said rainbow. Ill check if my budgie toe front are standing up on a flat surface.

Thanks guys

there is a website that shows you exactly how to cut your birds nails. If I find the link Ill post it.